Sault Ste Marie and surrounding area M\u00e9tis Citizens will be watching closely on June 1 when the results of the M\u00e9tis Nation of Ontario\u2019s (MNO) provincial election are released. This year\u2019s MNO election is a historic one. It is the first in which the opportunity to achieve full M\u00e9tis self-government is front and centre on the ballot.<\/p>\n
In 2019, M\u00e9tis Nation of Ontario President, Margaret Froh, signed a long-awaited core self-government agreement with the Government of Canada. The agreement is the culmination of over two decades of work, beginning with the MNO\u2019s founding in 1993. This first-of-its kind agreement in Canada recognizes the inherent M\u00e9tis right to self-government and lays the groundwork for the MNO to be formally recognized as an Indigenous public government in Canada, and assume jurisdiction over a number of important service areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecognition and respect for M\u00e9tis rights in Ontario have never been stronger,\u201d remarked President Froh who is seeking re-election. \u201cWe cannot take these hard-fought wins, like our Self-Government or Metis Harvesting Agreements for granted. I will continue to defend M\u00e9tis rights in Ontario and move us forward to get the job done.\u201d<\/p>\n
In order to achieve full self-government recognition, the MNO must complete a number of important steps, including the development and ratification of a constitution. It will be up to the newly elected MNO President to get these important pieces across the finish line.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past 4 years, the MNO has gone places I didn\u2019t think we would see for a long time. A new harvesting agreement, self-government agreement and much more. Margaret\u2019s leadership has been key to \u00a0these successes. Let\u2019s keep the momentum going and re-elect Margaret Froh as president.\u201d Offered prominent Sault Ste Marie M\u00e9tis leader Steve Gjos in an endorsement. \u201cThere is a lot at stake to protect our M\u00e9tis rights, I encourage our citizens to vote for Margaret Froh.\u201d<\/p>\n
All M\u00e9tis Nation of Ontario Citizens who are over the age of 16 are eligible to vote, which can be cast electronically or by phone. Polls close on June 1st<\/sup> at 6pm Eastern Time. More information can be found at http:\/\/www.metisnation.org\/ Voting in a MNO election has never been easier. It\u2019s a 2 step process and can be done either on your computer or by phone.<\/p>\n